NUJ London Freelance Branch 🗞️
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NUJ London Freelance Branch 🗞️
@nujlfb.bsky.social
NUJ London Freelance journalist community. Benefit from industry expertise, curated news, media training and opps | Meetings: 2nd Mon/mo. Run by
@nikatalbot.bsky.social
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For more than 100 years, the NUJ has fought for journalists and journalism. We're one of the biggest journalists' unions in the world.

Also, 46% of members are freelance! 💪 #StrongerTogether

You can also find us on:
- LinkedIn
- Bluesky
- WhatsApp

Not a member yet? See www.londonfreelance.org
NUJ London Freelance Branch
New to freelancing or need a refresher? Come and join us!
www.londonfreelance.org
📣 Entries for the @reutersinstitute.bsky.social Journalist Fellowship close soon

An opportunity for practising, mid-career journalists & editors to take some time out from their day jobs to explore journalism in depth.

Apply by 13 Feb:
Our Journalist Fellowship
The Journalist Fellowship Programme is one of the world’s leading schemes for practising, mid-career journalists.
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February 4, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Members - ICYMI: a review of our well-attended webinar on 21 Jan, responding to the threat of the far right.

Updates on journalists' safety, anti-SLAPP protections, and #pressfreedom - and some useful resources from @tuc.org.uk @irrnews.bsky.social
Responding to the threat of the far right
On 21 January the NUJ Black Members’ Council (BMC) held a well-attended webinar on responding to the threat of the far right.
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February 4, 2026 at 12:10 PM
"I hope The Stringer opens a space for curiosity and reflection, giving a voice to a generation of Vietnamese who never thought their memories held value."

One to watch on @netflix.com.
This 1972 Vietnam Photo Scandal Reveals Why Freelancers Still Lose Credit for Their Work - Freelance Informer
Film review examining freelancer credit theft across industries through iconic Vietnam War photograph documentary analysis.
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February 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM
"The UK Govt must now prioritise legislation to stop those with thin skins and thick wallets misusing the courts to stymie reporting and evade scrutiny.” #SLAPPS #pressfreedom
NUJ signs letter to UK prime minister calling for urgent anti-SLAPP legislation
The NUJ has joined over 120 organisations, publishers, editors, lawyers, and academics in urging the UK Govt to stamp out abusive and spurious lawsuits aimed at silencing journalists
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February 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM
💻 Students & Early Career Network launch - 11/12 Feb

Whether you’re studying or just starting your media career, join us! We’ll be sharing experiences, tips and lots more.
Student and Early Careers Network launch
Our brand new Student and Early Careers Network is starting in February 2026 with a choice of two dates and times to fit around your commitments.
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February 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM
NUJ submits evidence on AI licensing and copyright in journalism - here's what we're urging the Govt to do. @dcmsgovuk.bsky.social

Read the full submission:
NUJ submits evidence on AI licensing and copyright in journalism
The NUJ has responded to the Department for Culture, Media & Sport’s call for evidence on AI licensing and copyright in creative industries.
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February 2, 2026 at 12:45 PM
Older women ‘disappear’ from BBC presenting roles, review finds.

Older men seen as ‘gaining wisdom’ but women must keep looking younger or be ‘idiosyncratic’...

Makes my blood boil. A huge waste of talent - and discrimination. Time the Beeb had a female director general too.
Older women ‘disappear’ from BBC presenting roles, review finds
Older men seen as ‘gaining wisdom’ but women must keep looking younger or be ‘idiosyncratic’, review hears
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January 30, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Entries for @AmnestyUK Media Awards '26 close tomorrow (30/1)

Full sponsorship available for freelance journos & media outlets which are not for profit, campaigning, or serve small, targeted audiences on tight budgets.

Apply here: buff.ly/sX5U5KR

Good luck!
Amnesty Media Awards
The Amnesty International Media Awards celebrate excellence in human rights journalism.
buff.ly
January 29, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Freelance Jan26: More proof that 'AI' copies unlawfully.

Worth reading the entire paper - and the writeup by @alexreisner.bsky.social in @theatlantic.com.
More proof that 'AI' copies unlawfully | The Freelance
What we said, but in another adademic paper
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January 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Stack Independent Magazines on Stage – with Die Quieter Please, Dispatch, The Fence, and Piscine.
Thu 5 Feb, 6 pm, St Bride Foundation

Love seeing magazines come to life! 🤗 @stackmagazines.bsky.social

Book now:
Stack Independent Magazines on Stage – with Die Quieter Please, Dispatch, The Fence, and Piscine
Stack x St Bride Foundation Stack Independent Magazines on Stage With Die Quieter Please , Dispatch...
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January 29, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Freelance Jan26: Member Adil Raja burgled, then convicted in absentia

www.londonfreelance.org/fl/2601adil-...
Member Adil Raja burgled, then convicted in absentia | The Freelance
Threat to reporting on Pakistan
www.londonfreelance.org
January 28, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Freelance Jan26: Remembering our fallen colleagues in the Israel-Gaza conflict.

London Freelance branch committee joins in the condemnation and the call for investigations @ifjglobal.bsky.social @InfoPJS
Remembering journalists killed in the Israel-Gaza war | The Freelance
Reporters must be protected
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January 28, 2026 at 3:00 PM
More proof that ‘AI’ copies unlawfully

Worth reading the entire paper - and the writeup by @alexreisner.bsky.social in @theatlantic.com.
More proof that 'AI' copies unlawfully | The Freelance
What we said, but in another academic paper
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January 28, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Reposted by NUJ London Freelance Branch 🗞️
AI doesn't "learn" like a human, it makes copies of books, art, music, and videos. Which could be a big problem for Silicon Valley. My latest investigation for the The Atlantic presents research that the AI industry has been trying to keep hidden. www.theatlantic.com/technology/2...
AI’s Memorization Crisis
Large language models don’t “learn”—they copy. And that could change everything for the tech industry.
www.theatlantic.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:24 PM
NUJ raises concern over raid on Adil Raja

The NUJ has welcomed the arrest of four suspects in connection with an attack on the home of NUJ London Freelance member @soldierspeaks.bsky.social
NUJ raises concern over raid on Adil Raja
The NUJ has welcomed the arrest of four suspects in connection with an attack on the home of union member Adil Raja.
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January 28, 2026 at 10:50 AM
If you're head down with the tax return - here are some tips on how to hang on to whatever you earn as much as possible. Plus, investing for longer-term growth.

More on money matters at our 'Making Freelancing Pay' day in May...
‘A privilege to pay tax’ says accountant Eric | The Freelance
Also, financial adviser Ion Tsakalis
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January 27, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Freelance Jan26: More proof that 'AI' copies unlawfully

Researchers got 96% of a Harry Potter book back out with ease...

www.londonfreelance.org/fl/2601ai-co...
More proof that 'AI' copies unlawfully | The Freelance
What we said, but in another adademic paper
www.londonfreelance.org
January 27, 2026 at 4:45 PM
A lovely tribute from NUJ colleagues, family and friends. 🙏

"A true newshound, Paddy Clancy was one of the finest tabloid journalists of his generation. He was also the leader of Dublin’s first and only freelance strike."
Tributes paid to versatile veteran Paddy Clancy
Tributes have been paid to former NUJ activist Paddy Clancy, who died at the weekend following a short illness.
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January 27, 2026 at 3:30 PM
📣 Students and newcomers 📣

The NUJ is launching a new Student and Early Career Network in Feb - useful intel, new connections and more. We want this to be shaped by you.

Join us online: 11 Feb 7pm. #StrongerTogether #JoinAUnion

Book now:
Student and Early Career Network launch
Our brand new Student and Early Career Network is starting in February 2026 with a choice of two dates and times to fit around your commitments.
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January 27, 2026 at 1:25 PM
The @amnestyuk.bsky.social '26 Media Awards close this week

Full sponsorship available for freelance journos / media outlets which are not for profit, campaigning, or serve small, targeted audiences on tight budgets.

Apply by 30 Jan: buff.ly/E0C05qS

Good luck!
Amnesty Media Awards
The Amnesty International Media Awards celebrate excellence in human rights journalism.
buff.ly
January 26, 2026 at 4:30 PM
“Publishers, if you have not blocked and you think it is too late to block, you are wrong.

Katsur: "Publishers should collectively “link arms” and block the bots “full stop”, even if only for 72 hours, just to show there’s strength amongst publishers, big and small”. #AI

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Eight in ten of world's biggest news websites now block AI training bots
Almost eight in ten of the biggest news website publishers in the UK and US are blocking AI training bots.
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January 26, 2026 at 2:30 PM
#Palestine: Journalists continue to be killed despite ceasefire agreement.

Three freelance journalists were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on 21 Jan. #pressfreedom
Palestine: Journalists continue to be killed despite ceasefire agreement
At least 234 Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed by Israeli forces since Oct 2023, the latest figures by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) show.
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January 26, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Wapping: none of what happened 40 years ago is inevitable.

"When workers stand together the balance of power can and will shift again." @nasuwt-official.bsky.social
Wapping dispute still shapes the fight for workers today
FORTY years ago on a cold January night in 1986 as many as 6,000 print workers stood outside Rupert Murdoch’s new printing plant in Wapping in east London.They were met not with negotiators from News…
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January 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Online Symposium: Wapping at 40 🗞️ - the strike that made the modern media.
Starts at 10am!

Register now:
Wapping at 40 - symposium 24/01/26 | The Freelance
the strike that made the modern media
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January 24, 2026 at 8:00 AM